Is wisdom tooth removal necessary for me? (4 premolars removed already) (photos)

Question

I had braces at 11 when they removed 4 teeth. It relapsed and I went for a new treatment in March 2020. After almost 2 years of having braces now, my tmj hurts like hell. I can barely open open my mouth and it pulls all the time. Now I found a neuromuscular(NM) dentist. They want to TENS me and then move to NM braces with expander. But they insist on wisdom tooth removal and all my doctors have said that my wisdom teeth aren't impacted so I don't understand if that's necessary. I am 19 now.

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

Unfortunately many orthodontists still extract teeth rather than do appropriate expansion.

Ideally you are expanded very early before 8 and often at 3-5 years old.

Standard expansion does not work well in adults but Epigenetic Orthopedics with the DNA Appliance does.

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

I am not sure why third molar extraction is necessary. In my office, I would ONLY remove erupted third molars to treat TMD if the removable appliance we use could not be made to accomodate the third molars. This does happen, but it is rare. You already had four teeth amputated unnessesarily, to lose four additional teeth would be a shame.

Good luck!

Good luck!

Sheri Salartash, DDS, MAGD, FICOI · Answer

Hello there, if wisdom teeth have no decay or gum disease and are fully functional then they can stay. It is best to focus on NMO orthotic and get you out of pain. There are also adjunct therapy that can be done to help with TMJ pain. At home you can follow anti-inflammatory diet, hot/cold compress and soft diet.

Is wisdom tooth removal necessary for me? (4 premolars removed already) (photos)

Answers (3)